|
| | | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 15.59 Miles |
3,440 AEG |
| | Hiking | 15.59 Miles | 8 Hrs 6 Mns | | 2.10 mph |
| 3,440 ft AEG | 41 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | Kelly and I opted for a repeat of a hike we did on Lemmon about seven years ago. Got to Marshall Gulch and started around 0715. Laughably, it took us a moment to get onto Aspen Trail. Lots of vegetation growth in the several years it’s been since I was last in this area. My calves were killing me the first couple of miles, then finally loosened up, but didn’t feel great all day—my punishment for spending a chunk of Friday perched on a ladder while painting. Aspen is in generally good shape, and we took it all the way up to the top. Extremely hazy views, but closer scenery was still nice.
Once up top, we made out way over to the summit. That use trail is mostly defined, with a short rocky climb the final few hundred feet to the summit. Spent a few moments there, then made our way back to the Lemmon and Meadow trails. Took Meadow trail, then crossed back east on Lemmon over to the Lemmon Rock Lookout. The sign said closed, probably for stupid reasons, so we pretended to not understand how to read English and went up there anyway. Snapped a few quick pics, then headed back down.
Retraced our steps back west on Lemmon, then down. The descent was in rougher shape—some erosion in places, and some vegetation encroaching on the trail. We had lunch in a shady spot not far for the junction with Wilderness of Rocks trail. Warmer, but still pleasant, although most of the earlier shade provided by scattered clouds had disappeared.
WOR has also seen some erosion, and a little vague to follow in places. Long climb back out had me whining a bit. I was glad to reach the saddle. The final hike out on Marshall Gulch was a breeze, finishing up just before 1530. Trailhead was a mob scene. I was glad I drove the Jeep (intentional decision) as it’s a lot easier to get it out of that crammed parking lot vs either truck. It’s also easier to avoid bicyclists on that highway while driving the Jeep, less side mirror to worry about and less having to cross over the double yellow. Traffic back to Phoenix was incredibly light. Great day and a great hike, thanks, Kelly, for joining me on this one again. |
 |
Quartzite Spring |
Gallon + per minute |
Gallon + per minute |
| | | Clear water, flowing well. | | _____________________
| Stop crying and just go do the hike. |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
. I had a great recovery nap last night, and had no plan as of 08:00, so I grabbed the laptop, headed to Ski Valley and used my phone to pipe in a track. I knew I was limited in several ways, but picked the best route for my general needs. Great Choice! I'm not gonna go into detail here, but this trek was the conception of a "Peak of Summer", Mega-Loop, in the the upper-front range of the Cat's. The high elevation diversity along this route cannot be matched. I plan to refine this into a Description, where I'll be much more specific in the transitions (soon to come)...
